Articles tagged with Obstetrics
UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a Best Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth year in a row. The hospital provides world-class care for parents and newborns, with a focus on compassion, expertise, and dedication.
NEJM Clinician curates highly relevant clinical insights from over 150 peer-reviewed journals to give physicians clear guidance without the noise. The weekly publication delivers summaries and commentary in a concise, 30-minute read, helping healthcare providers stay informed and confident in their decisions.
A new study found that maternal psychological distress experienced at 1 year postpartum has a stronger association with neurodevelopmental delay in toddlers compared to prenatal distress. The researchers also discovered that experiencing distress during both pregnancy and postpartum periods further amplifies the risk of delays.
A survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that nearly all Americans are unaware of the comprehensive women's health services provided by certified nurse-midwives. Only 20% know about annual gynecology exams, while 93% are aware of pregnancy and birth support.
A study of 349 new parents found intrusive thoughts and psychotic-like experiences more prevalent than thought, causing severe distress linked to higher parenting stress and lower satisfaction. The research highlights the need for normalisation, stigma reduction, and targeted support for affected parents.
A Cochrane review found no significant effect of calcium supplementation on pre-eclampsia, contradicting long-held assumptions. The review excluded small and unreliable studies that previously suggested benefits of calcium supplementation.
The Mount Sinai Hospital is now using an FDA-approved AI tool that enhances fetal ultrasound screenings for congenital heart defects. The AI tool improved detection rates of suspicious findings to over 97%, while also reducing reading time and increasing confidence scores.
A team at the University of Pennsylvania has solved the mechanism of action of hydralazine, revealing its potential to halt the growth of brain cancer cells. By blocking an oxygen-sensing enzyme, hydralazine can reduce intracellular calcium levels, causing blood vessels to relax and tumor cells to enter a dormant state.
A recent study found distinct changes in NAD-related metabolites in women with recurrent miscarriage, suggesting a deeper metabolic imbalance. The findings may lead to the identification of potential biomarkers for risk assessment and new avenues for treatment.
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals significant racial disparities in cesarean births, with Black individuals facing a higher risk of the procedure despite efforts to decrease overall rates. The research highlights the need for upstream interventions and education to address structural racism in maternal health care.
Researchers developed a novel tool, the Preterm Birth Actionable Risk Index (PTB-ARIx), to assess risk for premature births. The index identifies 18 specific risk factors during pregnancy that can be treated with evidence-based interventions.
A case study in CMAJ describes successful ovarian tissue preservation in a young woman with Hodgkin lymphoma, highlighting the need for improved access to fertility preservation services. The 'hub-and-spoke' model presented offers a potential solution to overcome geographical barriers and improve patient outcomes.
A recent Finnish study found an association between severe nausea during pregnancy and depression, both before and after childbirth. Women who experienced severe nausea were more likely to develop depression and receive earlier diagnoses.
Researchers have discovered that optical genome mapping can reveal hidden causes of pregnancy loss, including chromosomal changes in genes known to be linked to recurrent pregnancy loss. The study found structural changes in the genome that were missed by traditional genetic sequencing methods.
Researchers Drs Emmanuel Bujold and Roberto Romero propose a new closure technique for cesarean delivery that respects the natural anatomical structure of the uterus. This approach may reduce long-term complications such as abnormal placenta attachment, uterine rupture, and pelvic pain.
A new study from University of California Merced found that married fathers' optimism and confidence can lower maternal inflammation during pregnancy, leading to longer gestation periods. Higher paternal resilience also predicted healthier fetal development.
A new study found that the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision led to a significant increase in tubal ligations, a surgical procedure that permanently prevents pregnancy, with 51% more procedures performed across four medical centers between 2021 and 2023.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown group of cells that produce adrenaline, which may help the fetal heart adapt to stress. The study provides a detailed map of the developing human heart, revealing over 70 distinct cell types and their interactions.
A clinical trial found that antibiotics within 24 hours of an obstetric tear can significantly reduce the risk of clinically relevant wound complications. The treatment group experienced fewer complications and reported better wellbeing compared to the placebo group. This finding supports the use of prophylactic antibiotics in routine ...
The study found that stillbirth rates are higher in low-income communities compared to more affluent areas, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address social determinants of health
A new Harvard study found that US stillbirth rates are higher than previously reported, with many cases having no identified clinical risk factor. The study highlights the need for improved stillbirth risk prediction and prevention efforts.
A large national cohort study found associations between adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased risk of atrial fibrillation up to 46 years later. Women with these outcomes require early preventive actions and long-term clinical follow-up.
A new survey conducted by Orlando Health found that less than half of Americans are aware of the technology and testing available to decrease risks for a healthy baby after 35 years old. Advanced prenatal testing and care can help older mothers have safe and healthy pregnancies, dispelling common misconceptions about age and pregnancy.
A Wayne State University study found that prenatal Zika virus exposure leads to sex-specific changes in a baby's immune system, affecting frontline immune cells. Males are more affected, with slower growth and an exaggerated inflammatory response.
A recent survey found that only 38% of US adults recommend taking a Covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy, while only 42% believe it is safe. Women aged 18-49 are even less likely to support vaccination, with 36% and 28% respectively, suggesting a decline in vaccination rates among childbearing women.
A new study found that over 40% of specialty clinics in the US turn away patients weighing 465 pounds or more due to lack of accessibility features. The study highlights a need for staff training on inclusive care and accommodations for patients with severe obesity.
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers found that unplanned, premature births outside hospitals in Austria posed significant challenges for emergency teams. The study identified key findings on how to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns, including the importance of standardised protocols, training, and equipment availability.
A new study found that infant mortality rates in Massachusetts were significantly higher among babies whose mother experienced a pregnancy-associated death, with rates 14-22 times higher than when the mother survived. Nonpremature infants who survived after their mother’s pregnancy-associated death were also more likely to be hospitali...
Dr. Andreea Creanga, a leading maternal health expert, joins the University of Maryland School of Medicine as Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health. She will oversee initiatives in bioinformatics, data science, and maternal health.
Prostacyclin has been found to promote fetal membrane repair through the proliferation and migration of amnion mesenchymal cells. This discovery provides new insight into the mechanisms of fetal membrane healing, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing preterm birth and infant mortality.
The global impact of IVF continues to grow, with estimated 20 million IVF births worldwide, increasing the demographic importance of fertility needs. IVF has become a more effective route to parenthood for those previously unable to conceive.
A comprehensive review highlights VET's potential to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and reduce maternal mortality. High-quality research on its use is limited, and a large-scale US-based study is needed to test its effectiveness.
A large international clinical trial found that elinzanetant significantly reduces hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women by over 73%. The drug also shows secondary benefits such as improved quality of life and reduced sleep disturbances, with no harmful effects on the liver or bone density.
Research found higher fetal movement frequencies correlate with greater maternal attachment; paying attention to these signals may strengthen prenatal attachment and postnatal caregiving. Fetal movements contribute to emotional attachment formed during pregnancy.
Children born with an accelerated growth trajectory are more than 4 times likely to be overweight or obese as two-year-olds. Maternal metabolic factors significantly contribute to this increased risk of childhood obesity.
A new study finds that postpartum mothers with hepatitis C who received treatment while still in the hospital were twice as likely to be cured compared to those referred for outpatient follow-up appointments. The 'Meds to Beds' model dramatically improves cure rates by bringing treatment to bedside before discharge.
A comprehensive registry study in Sweden found that healthy, full-term babies under three months old are at risk of severe illness from RSV. The study highlights several risk factors, including birth weight and sibling age, which increase the risk of needing intensive care or dying.
A new hydrogel has been developed to combat vaginal changes caused by menopause, offering a hormone-free alternative for treatment. The study found that the hydrogel improved vaginal tissue thickness and reduced inflammation, providing potential relief from symptoms such as dryness and pain.
The percentage of births via cesarean section increased from 20.27% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 21.19% during the pandemic, peaking at 22.14% during the sixth wave.
The global study found that women are having babies later in life, increasing health risks and widening inequalities in maternal care. The average age of first-time mothers has steadily increased, with many now starting their families aged 35 years or over.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that two-thirds of women of reproductive age in the US have at least one modifiable risk factor for birth defects. The analysis highlights the need for improved preconception health and identifying and addressing these changeable risk factors before pregnancy.
According to UMass Amherst research, only 16% of US counties offer access to vaginal labor after C-section. Despite the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' guidelines supporting this option, access remains limited due to factors such as hospital availability and provider comfort.
Extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in regulating oocyte maturation, follicular growth, and quality. In pathological conditions, EVs can disrupt communication, leading to impaired oocyte development and ovarian failure. Therapeutic EVs show promise in reversing ovarian pathologies by delivering functional molecules.
A pediatric investigation study reveals that male fetuses prioritize growth while female fetuses focus on placental development under gestational hypertension. The findings support the growth strategy hypothesis and suggest sex-specific differences in fetal responses to prenatal stressors.
A cohort study found that hospitals with poor financial health were less likely to provide essential perinatal services. This disparity was more pronounced in Southern and rural regions.
Researchers found that maternal obesity prior to pregnancy can program long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories in children through epigenetic alterations. This led to autistic-like behaviors in male mice, correlating with altered gene regulation in the cortex and hippocampus.
A study examining over 1,000 women aged 18-49 found that more than half with an ischemic stroke had experienced pregnancy complications. High-risk factors include preeclampsia, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes.
A global study reveals that women's mental wellbeing and self-efficacy are key predictors of fear during childbirth. Research shows that antenatal care should focus on building women's confidence rather than just teaching coping strategies.
A new study found that kids of obese parents are more likely to have obesity due to inheriting related genes. The study suggests that a mother's BMI may be particularly important in determining a child's weight, both through direct genetic inheritance and indirect nurture effects.
Researchers found that chronic disturbance of a mother cockroach's sleep harms baby development by prolonging gestation and interfering with milk production. This study uses the Pacific beetle-mimic cockroach as an animal model to explore connections between pregnancy and sleep in humans.
The Mount Sinai Hospital has been listed among the nation's top 20 hospitals for care excellence by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26, with top-10 rankings in five specialties and top-20 rankings in nine. The hospital was also rated High Performing in all 22 procedures and conditions assessed by U.S. News.
Research reveals that prenatal PFAS exposure can alter infants' developing immune systems, leading to lasting imprints on their ability to fight disease. Exposure to low levels of PFAS was associated with changes in key T-cell populations, including T follicular helper cells and regulatory T cells.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that how healthcare providers describe babies during ultrasounds impacts parent perceptions and can influence a child's future behavior. Positive descriptions are associated with fewer behavioral difficulties in toddlers, while negative descriptions lead to greater challenges.
A new study found that US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines identify nearly 89% of pregnancies at increased risk, but leave 70.3% in the moderate risk category with nonspecific recommendations for aspirin use. The study suggests that these guidelines may influence clinicians' decisions regarding daily aspirin recommendations.
Recent studies reveal disparities in access to hepatitis C treatment for children and recently pregnant women, with significant racial and geographic disparities. The studies highlight the need for targeted resources to reach these vulnerable populations.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers finds that a transabdominal cerclage (TAC) significantly reduces the risk of preterm birth among patients with cervical insufficiency, with a 70% lower risk compared to transvaginal cerclage (TVC).
A new study from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine examines pregnancy outcomes in women with kidney transplants who use assisted reproductive technology. The research found increased rates of hypertension and preterm birth, but no significant difference in live birth rates or two-year kidney transplant survival.
The study reveals that many people are unaware of two crucial facts that can help reduce SIDS deaths: putting babies on their backs to sleep, and avoiding secondhand smoke in the home. The survey found that only 65% know that a baby should be put to sleep on its back, highlighting a need for increased education and awareness.
A comprehensive study protocol has been developed to investigate pregnancy-related stroke risk factors and long-term implications for mothers and their children. The nationwide multicenter study aims to identify key risk factors associated with ASPP and assess its impact on offspring.
SURGhub has transformed surgical education in low-resource and conflict-affected regions by reaching over 19,000 healthcare workers with high-quality training. The platform's accessibility and culturally relevant content are bridging a gap that has left millions without access to safe surgical care when needed.